When Should I Replace My Hot Water Heater?

When Should I Replace My Hot Water Heater?

We use it everyday for various things, but we never think about it. Yet if it stops working, we immediately notice. Your water heater is essential to your happiness, whether for your 7 AM blistering-hot wake-up shower, your post-work relaxation baths, or letting the dishes soak before you wash them.

If you lost your hot water, it would be a personal disaster. But you’ve had your hot water heater for years and haven’t had any problems. In fact, you can’t even remember when you had your water heater installed.

This starts you thinking: “when should I replace my hot water heater?” You know it doesn’t last forever, but you have no idea how long they’re supposed to stick around.

Your Hot Water Tank Should Be Replaced Every 8-12 Years

The average lifespan of a hot water tank is between 8-12 years if it’s high-quality, was properly installed, and has been properly taken care of since installation.

This might not seem like a long time, but a hot water tank always has hot water in it, waiting for you to need it. That means that for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, your hot water tank is in use. When something is used consistently, it eventually wears down and needs to be replaced. In the case of a hot water tank, the problem is rust.

Rusty Tanks Lead to Water Damage

That ever-present water carries minerals that cause corrosion within the tank. Normally, an anode rod in the tank will attract those particles and keep your tank in great shape. But when the anode rod is worn out, the minerals will start eating away at the tank lining. While these minerals are not harmful to us, they will take a toll on the tank, particularly the tank’s bottom.

When a tank’s bottom rusts out, there’s nothing keeping the water inside. Water starts pouring out at an alarming rate, and because it’s connected to your water supply, it won’t stop until you shut off the water to your tank. You’re left with a huge, costly mess to clean up.

A Tankless Water Heater Can Last As Long as 20 Years

By contrast, a tankless water heater doesn’t hold nearly as much water because it only heats it as we need it. This means that a tankless water heater will last longer than a water tank. In fact, some tankless water heaters can last as long as 20 years with the proper care.

Is Your Hot Water Heater Getting Up There in Years?

If you’ve been asking yourself “when should I replace my hot water heater”, now is the perfect time to check. All you have to do is look at the manufacturer’s label on your water heater. If the date of installation isn’t on the sticker, write down the serial number. Often the date and year the water heater was built is included in the serial code. It just takes a bit of decoding to figure out.

Depending on the brand of water heater, the date will be arranged differently. When in doubt, call us to help you figure it out.

Other Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater

It’s not just age that signals the end of a water heater’s life. If you see any of these other signs, call us to have your water heater replaced.

Discoloured Water

There are several reasons that your water may become discoloured, and one of them is your water heater.

When you see rust-coloured water, first check where it’s coming from. If you turn on the cold water and it runs clear, but the hot water is discoloured, that’s an indicator that your water heater is at fault.

Call us to come and flush out your hot water heater. If after a thorough cleaning the water is still discoloured, we’ll give you some recommendations on replacing it.

It’s Making Odd Noises

Houses make noise, especially if they’re older homes. But you’ve lived there long enough to recognize a regular noise vs. one that signals something’s wrong.

Your water heater could be the source of a whole strange-noise orchestra of creaks, bangs, and clunking.

Luckily, after over 40 years, we’ve learned a thing or two about all the strange noises that can occur. If your hot water heater starts talking to you, we’ll figure out what the problem is and provide some solutions.

You’re Experiencing Leaks

A leaking water heater is bad, and not just for the heater itself. It could cause water damage to other parts of your home, or drive up your water bill if left unchecked.

We recommend making a regular inspection of your water heater for any leaks. If you find one, call us immediately to come help.

Tip: Leaks most often apply to hot water tanks. Tankless water heaters have a shut off valve if something is wrong.

Should I Replace My Water Heater Before It Fails?

Many people don’t fix something until it’s broken. But when it comes to your water heater, you don’t want to wait until you wake up one morning and discover you’re going to be having ice baths for the foreseeable future.

So how do you find out you should get a new water heater before it fails? An annual maintenance check will give you a better idea of the condition of your water heater.

That’s right: your water heater needs some annual TLC too! Not only will you be able to get expert advice on when to replace your water heater, but a tuneup will actually extend its life, and help it run more efficiently!

We’ll Get You the Perfect New Hot Water Heater

We know it’s stressful and frustrating to turn the tap and find no hot water. If you find yourself in that situation, or know that it’s time to replace your hot water heater, talk to us. We’ll be able to provide you with all the information and services you need to get your hot water back.